Suspect arrested in Ukiah armed robberies

A Willits man suspected of robbing two people at gunpoint within minutes of each other in Ukiah Wednesday evening was arrested the following day, the Ukiah Police Department reported.

According to the UPD, the first of the reported robberies happened at about 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26 on Mason Street near Norton Street when a 19-year-old Ukiah man who said he was riding his skateboard home was approached by a man in a white car.

The victim said the suspect demanded everything he had and pointed a semi-automatic gun at his chest. The victim said he got to his knees and gave the suspect his backpack, skateboard and cell phone.

When the victim tried to get up, he said another man got out of the car and pointed a gun at him, then both men left in the car.

Approximately five minutes later near North Bush Street and Empire Drive, a 26-year-old woman told police she had been walking on North Bush Street when a white car passed her several times, then stopped near her. A man then got out of the car and pointed a gun at her, demanding everything she had, police said.

The victim said the man demanded her purse and when she tried to hold onto it, he threatened to shoot her, then hit her in the back of her head and took her purse, which had her money, wallet and other belongings.

According to the UPD, detectives began work immediately on the two cases and identified Eric M. Patino, 21, of Willits, described as a "known Sure?o gang member," as the primary suspect.

On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., the Willits Police Department stopped Patino while he was driving a white, Mazda sedan. Officers reportedly found stolen property from the two Ukiah robberies, a replica semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine in his possession.

The UPD reported that Patino is also suspected of being involved in another robbery that occurred about 3:30 p.m. on Highway 101 north of Willits, and that other suspects were involved in all three crimes.

Patino was booked in Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, making terrorist threats, brandishing a weapon, transportation of methamphetamine, violation of his probation and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.

The UPD, WPD and the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department are continuing to investigate in an effort to identify the other suspects involved in the robberies, and anyone with information is asked to call the UPD at 462-6262.